La Pizarra

Gate-side option in T1 when you want a sit-down meal

La Pizarra sits airside in Terminal T1 at Carrasco International, past security and passport control, so it works for both regional and long-haul departures. It’s a classic airport full-service spot: host stand, printed menus, wine glasses on the tables, and a bar counter you can eat at if you’re solo or in a rush.

Menus lean Uruguayan and international: think milanesas, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and usually a steak option, plus coffee and desserts. Expect airport pricing: a main plate typically lands in the USD 12–20 range once you convert from pesos, with coffee around USD 3–4 and soft drinks a bit less. Portions run large by airport standards, so one main can cover you for a 3–4 hour flight.

Service pace matches South American norms, not a quick-service chain, so budget 45–60 minutes for a relaxed sit-down meal. If your boarding pass shows a short connection under 50 minutes, this isn’t the spot; grab-and-go cafés nearer the gates move faster. Staff usually handle English and Portuguese well enough for ordering, but the printed menu is primarily in Spanish.

La Pizarra pours local Uruguayan wines by the glass and bottle, plus the usual beers and basic cocktails. A glass of Tannat or another local red runs in the USD 6–9 range. Coffee is proper espresso-based rather than drip, and you can usually get a cortado or cappuccino pulled in under 10 minutes if you sit at the bar instead of a table.

Payment is standard for Montevideo: they take major credit cards, pesos, and often USD, but you’ll get the most predictable exchange rate paying by card. Check your boarding time against the kitchen’s schedule; closing often tracks the last evening departures from T1, so late-night flights after 23:00 might find only the bar or cold items still available.

Practical tip: if you just want a quick snack and Wi‑Fi before a regional hop, grab a coffee and share one plate at the bar instead of committing to a full table service visit.